Over the past few years I have picked up fly fishing. I love all types of fishing, but really getting into fly fishing has increased the techniques and understanding of the eating habits of many different species.

One of the most important things I have learned over the past few years is that you don’t always have to use large bait to catch large fish.

I often catch myself snacking on a number of small treats when I’m preparing dinner and by time dinner is done… so is my appetite. I’ve come across a ton of bass that share this inability to wait for the main course. Sometimes when I get into a nice clear water area that the wind has torn the shore, I like to pull out my knife and carve some of the larger baits I use down to smaller treat size helpings. This has led to some of my largest catches.

If you find yourself striking out, put it to test… try tossing a small Hellgrammite gulp alive on a small hook, or get creative with the knife and carve something buggy looking… you may get surprised when you hook into a 4-5lb. smallie. Another thing to try for some Largemouth action is anything that you can carve up to look like a bee or dragon fly… just remember that when they take you need to bring them in slow, those little hooks only hold so much.

The main thing is to have fun out there. Get creative and try some new techniques. What you come up with may be just the presentation that Personal Best Bass has been waiting for. Tight Lines!

Yours In Boating